Unionville Traffic Meeting Tonight

The public is invited to attend a meeting tonight of the Unionville Joint Traffic Committee and learn more about two proposals to relieve traffic congestion surrounding the bridge.

The first proposal involves widening South Main Street to allow for a dedicated lane for cars turning down New Britain Avenue. This would allow traffic to flow past instead of piling up behind those cars waiting to turn. This plan would require the Liquor Square, LA Styles and Nina's Tailor Shop buildings to be removed. In addition, the plan would reroute the bike path down Railroad Avenue, encouraging pedestrians and bicyclists to cross at the light, as they currently intended to do.

The second plan, which officials say would be more effective at alleviating traffic problems, would also widen South Main Street, but it would also move New Britain Avenue towards the hill, allowing more space between the intersection and the bridge. This, traffic committee members say, would make room for several more cars and keep the area from getting backed up.

The plan would require Airtools Sales & Service be relocated, in addition to the three businesses in the first plan. It would affect a few homes on Burnham Avenue. The properties at the end of New Britain Avenue, including Edward Motor Service, JW Florist and Drywall Unlimited. If approved, the state would compensate the business owners for their property and help them to find a suitable new location. In this plan, the bike trail would stay where it is.

Individual and group meetings with property owners and neighbors have resulted in nearly all positive feedback, traffic committee members said. Tonight's meeting will allow the rest of the town to respond to the plans.

"We’re really narrowed down to two choices of what to do with New Britian Avenue and we’re strongly leaning in a certain direction but we still want the public’s input," said Charlie Keniston, traffic committee and Town Council member. "We met separately with property owners, business owners and residents in that area. Now we're just stretching out a little further into the community to see what their input might be. Sometimes at these presentations somebody comes up with an idea you haven’t thought of."

The meeting will be held Wednesday, Sept. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Yates Training Room at the Farmington Police Department.